Rams: 3 replacements for John Johnson III in 2021 NFL Draft

Richie Grant – UCF

A Senior Bowl standout with the versatility to excel from several different positions in the defensive backfield, Grant has not received the same level of hype as TCU’s Trevon Moehrig – regarded by many as the top safety in the class – despite his extremely impressive performances in the week of practice in Mobile.

Grant can operate as the deep safety, possessing the range to play in a single-high role, but has also shone covering receivers and tight ends from the slot and has occasionally been utilized in the box.

What makes him an excellent fit for the Rams defense is his football intelligence. He relies heavily on his eyes and does an impressive job of reading the quarterback and the receiver to help him make plays on the ball.

Grant is a player who can diagnose in a hurry, displaying the read-and-react quickness to get to the catch patch point that is crucial for safeties in general and for players looking to make an impact in zone-heavy defensive schemes like the Rams have run in recent years.

Coming off a three-interception season in his final year with UCF, there is little to suggest Grant would struggle to be a playmaker on defense at the next level. The Rams should greatly value his combination of versatility and awareness, putting Grant firmly in the mix to be the first player they select on day two.